Casual dining, fine view

North Bengaluru has got a glistening addition to it’s gastronomic scene with the addition of ‘Nazaara’, the rooftop bar-lounge at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal.

With a view that overlooks the Nagavara Lake and does justice to the breathtaking Bengaluru skyline, the restaurant is aptly named ‘Nazaara’.

Contrary to expectations, the place is more of casual than fine dining and this is complemented by comfy leather chairs, plush sofas, a gold and black theme and peppy music.

The place serves North West cuisine and they are known for their kebabs and beer.

In beverages, we started off with ‘Above the Cloud’ and ‘Nazaara Pearl’. Both drinks were smooth and tasty.

In appetisers, we opted for the ‘Sarson Waale Tandoori Phool’ (broccoli cooked with indian spices and cream) and ‘Badam aur Kesar Malai Tikka’ (cottage cheese cooked in a tandoor and spiced with yellow chilli, cheese and Indian spices). The broccoli was creamy and well-cooked and the taste of the veggie was quite subtle. Best for cheese lovers who don’t like this vegetable. The paneer, though soft, was a little bland inside but a dip in the accompanying chutney fixed that. The ‘Khumb Ke Galouti’, which was minced mushrooms served in a mini paratha was also a good option.

Non-vegetarians can try the ‘Non-Vegetarian Kebab Platter’ which is quite filling. It has the ‘Gilatwat Ke Kebab’ (soft and juicy minced lamb patties), ‘Tandoori Mahi Tikka’ (red snapper cubes spiced with roasted garlic, yellow chili, yoghurt, mustard oil. It was flavourful and the fresh smell of roasted garlic and mustard was appealing though not overpowering), ‘Nimbu Mirch Ke Jheenga’ (tiger prawns spiced with mustard oil, pickled lemons, fresh coriander and served with mint chutney) and ‘Murgh Malai Kebab’ (chicken marinated with cream and Indian spices, perfectly spiced and tender).

In the main course, try the ‘Murgh Makhani’, which is chicken cooked in rich tomato based gravy, or the ‘Khumbani Ka Kofta’, cottage cheese and apricot dumpling cooked in a brown onion and cashew nut gravy — this is, of course, a little sweet. The ‘Bhuna Saag’, a buttery vegetable medley, and ‘Dal Lumbini’, a slightly salty combination of four dals which goes well with kulcha, are also options worth exploring.

In biryani, the ‘Subz Biryani’ (with an exquisite hint of saffron) and the ‘Gosht Dum Biryani’ are flavourful but heavy. That is true of almost all the dishes though — they can leave you feeling quite stuffed. The flavours are subtle though, to cater to the in-house clientele who are mostly foreigners.

Desserts are one place where subtlety doesn’t work for an Indian palate. The ‘Nazaara Shahi Tukda’ would appeal more to people without much of a sweet tooth. The ‘Baked Boondi Jamun’ is the exact opposite — really sweet and really rich.

‘Nazaara’ is located on terrace level, Courtyard By Marriott, Outer Ring Road, Opposite Lumbini Garden, Nagavara, Hebbal.